Renault performs final testing for autonomous transport service in Rouen

The Rouen Normandy Autonomous Lab initiative  a partnership between Métropole Rouen Normandie, public transport operator Transdev Group, Groupe Renault and insurer Matmut  is finalising the testing for an on-demand shared mobility service with AVs in Rouen, France. The service will launch later this year.

From September 2018, Rouen’s Technopôle du Madrillet business park will be better connected to public transport connections thanks to four autonomous Renault Zoe electric cars and an i-Cristal autonomous shuttle. The vehicles will run on three routes covering a distance of 10km, with 17 stops across the district and a link to the Rouen public transport system. The project is planned to run until December 2019.

The goal of the project is to explore how AVs can benefit areas with poor access to public transport by offering a first- and last-mile transport solution. Users will be able to call a vehicle using a smartphone app.

Four Renault Zoe electric cars have been equipped with autonomous systems developed by Transdev and Renault. These cars are currently being tested on open roads. The aim of the initiative is both to refine the technology and to gain insight into usage and take-up among local residents.

The system includes a user app to request transportation, along with a fleet control room, smart infrastructure and secure telecommunications networks. The operator can monitor the fleet from the control room and take action where needed to reduce the speed of vehicles or bring them to a halt. Audio and video communications between passengers and the control room will be possible at all times.

The system was developed through a partnership between Renault and Transdev, with each providing key expertise: Renault for the vehicle and autonomous technology; and Transdev for the tracking system, infrastructure and secure telecommunications.